Lincoln Public Schools earned applause this week for having established a wide range of family-friendly initiatives for employees.
LPS was one of 12 recipients of the Lincoln Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program. The program recognizes employers who implement and prioritize family-friendly practices at their businesses and organizations. These measures strengthen the workplace environment by showing employees that they are valued and appreciated.
LPS Associate Superintendent of Human Resources Vann Price said she was thrilled to have LPS on the list of family-friendly job sites in Lincoln. She felt the designation would help the school district continue to attract and maintain a strong, inclusive and happy workforce.
“It’s very exciting to be recognized as a district that prioritizes the well-being of employees and their children,” Price said. “Our workplace policies recognize and support the varied family types and caregiving structures, understanding that all means all.”
The award program is co-sponsored by the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED) and the Lincoln Littles nonprofit organization. LPED Director of Talent Development Allison Hatch and Lincoln Littles Executive Director Anne Brandt said they were pleased to expand the number of certified sites in Lancaster County. They felt entities like LPS have created workplaces where employees feel respected, supported and empowered to balance their work and personal responsibilities.
“Family-friendly policies are not just good for employees. They strengthen the whole organization,” Hatch said. “Companies that adopt these approaches often experience lower absenteeism, reduced healthcare costs and a healthier, more resilient workplace culture.”
“Family-friendly workplace practices ensure parents have what they need to be their best at work and at home,” Brandt said. “When employers develop policies with families in mind, they create environments where both parents and young children can truly thrive.”
To become certified, employers must meet at least seven of ten qualifying criteria. These include family-centered workplace supports, childcare supports, community engagement activities and welcoming workplace practices.
LPS provides multiple caregiver support resources, including the Continuum Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP offers counseling and problem-solving services for families in areas such as stress management, child support, anxiety and grief. These services can help employees proactively address their well-being.
Paid parental leave is another family-centered workplace benefit at LPS. Paid parental leave is part of the contract agreement between LPS and the Lincoln Education Association for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years.
LPS provides many health benefits such as coverage for both families and dependents. The school district offers multiple employee wellness programs, and LPS certificated and classified employees are eligible to request paid civic leave. There are also multiple opportunities for employees to engage in community events and service activities. This meets goals of both the family-friendly workplace program and the 2024-29 LPS Strategic Plan.
Price said it was essential for potential employees to know that LPS has adopted many family-friendly initiatives. A complete list of LPS benefits and employee handbooks can be found on the LPS Human Resources webpage.
“Our health benefits include family and dependent coverage, which we hope supports the varying needs of our employees,” Price said. “While we know that we have more work to do, our adoption of the two-week paid parental leave is an example of our district understanding the importance of strong families, which leads to satisfied employees.”
The names of all award recipients will be on an interactive digital map for both job seekers and families to see. Their names will also be included on the LPED and Lincoln Littles websites and social media platforms.
All recipients will be recognized at upcoming LPED and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce events. They will also receive digital badges that they can place on their own websites to promote their family-friendly achievements.
The Lincoln Littles Board of Advisors Engagement Committee reviews applications from area companies and organizations four times each year. Candidates complete a free self-assessment application before advancing to the selection process.
Learn more about available LPS job opportunities by visiting the school district's careers page.
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